For those who have had fraxel, did you have to ice your face afterwards to prevent swelling? My doctor told me to keep it on continuously for 48 hours. This is a real pain...and just to prevent swelling. Also, this procedure hurts a lot. They did two passes on my face, and the second one was very painful--45 minutes of pain total. I hope it's worth it.

For those who have had fraxel, did you have to ice your face afterwards to prevent swelling? My doctor told me to keep it on continuously for 48 hours. This is a real pain...and just to prevent swelling. Also, this procedure hurts a lot. They did two passes on my face, and the second one was very painful--45 minutes of pain total. I hope it's worth it.

 

I've had 3 fraxels so far. 2 times 2 passes, last time 3 passes. The Dr. lets me use a cooling device during the procedure and a few minutes after. The first hours after treatment i spray AvAne Thermal Water over my face to cool it down a little. My face is only swollen the day of the treatment, the second day it's not that bad.

 

For those who have had fraxel, did you have to ice your face afterwards to prevent swelling? My doctor told me to keep it on continuously for 48 hours. This is a real pain...and just to prevent swelling. Also, this procedure hurts a lot. They did two passes on my face, and the second one was very painful--45 minutes of pain total. I hope it's worth it.

 

I've had 3 fraxels so far. 2 times 2 passes, last time 3 passes. The Dr. lets me use a cooling device during the procedure and a few minutes after. The first hours after treatment i spray AvAne Thermal Water over my face to cool it down a little. My face is only swollen the day of the treatment, the second day it's not that bad.

 

I just had my first treatment yesterday. Level 20, so pretty aggressive. They also used the cooling device for a couple of minutes afterwards. I didn't find the need to use ice, and I'm hardly swollen. My forehead especially really stung after the treatment, but after a few minutes of the cool air it was fine.

Does anyone know if Fraxel has been proven superior to Smoothbeam at scar reduction?

 

For those who have had fraxel, did you have to ice your face afterwards to prevent swelling? My doctor told me to keep it on continuously for 48 hours. This is a real pain...and just to prevent swelling. Also, this procedure hurts a lot. They did two passes on my face, and the second one was very painful--45 minutes of pain total. I hope it's worth it.

 

I've had 3 fraxels so far. 2 times 2 passes, last time 3 passes. The Dr. lets me use a cooling device during the procedure and a few minutes after. The first hours after treatment i spray AvAne Thermal Water over my face to cool it down a little. My face is only swollen the day of the treatment, the second day it's not that bad.

 

hey lunaatje-

where do u get ur fraxel done, i was also told by my doc to use the thermal spring water and spring gel for my face after fraxel.

Where do you get thermal spring water and spring gel? I was half expecting to get a sales pitch from the dr's office for their products, but my aftercare instructions were simply to use gentle cleanser and moisturizer. And SPF of at least 30.

i got those reccomendations too- i use cetaphil cleanser and aquaphor for the few days of dryness and flaking after fraxel.

I got the thermal stuff at the doctors office, i dont know where else you can get it.

I live in Europe, Belgium. I was told that there are only 2 Dr that are using Fraxel in Europe for the moment, one in Belgium and one in Paris.

The products the Dr. prescribed me are AvAAne. I searched for a link to American distributors: [Removed]

The Thermal Water is great and very practical to use trough the day. I also got a cooling gel, especially developed for first aid sun-damaged skin, which helped me alot the first hours after treatment.

I'm going in for my first fraxel on the 17th. Just wondering if anybody has been exfoliating after their fraxel treatments, and, if so, with what products? I know somebody mentioned Aloette, but is there anything else that people are using? I want to use something very mild and gentle that obviously won't cause breakouts.

hey all-

just wanted to let everyone know i just had my second fraxel.

This time we did 8 passes of 14 all over the face, and 4 passes of 18 on my more scarred areas.

I took a half of a percocet before the procedure, but it still hurt like hell. I dont know what to do, maybe take a full one next time, or maybe take an 800 mg ibuprofen.

Right now i am swollen and i look all lopsided.

Last time we just did 8 passes of level 8 and 2 passes of 12 on my more scarred areas.

I know in the next few days i will be peeling and flaking like crazy, but am very much looking forward to it because i know its working.

What about density and total energy? My understanding is that 4 passes at 250 is essentially the same coverage as 8 passes at 125. Just curious, as I am trying to benchmark my levels. I think they were too cautious in my first procedure yesterday as it really did not hurt, I was swollen only yesterday and was out in public in evening.

Hi All...

Seems like some people get sooooo many more passes then others w/this laser..

I'm wondering what is a actual pass? Iv heard 1 stroke of the laser is a pass..

My doc said she did 8 but she only went up and down my whole face and then across

the other way....So in my mind that was 2 passes...But if it is one stroke of the laser

that = a pass then for the people that are saying they are getting 2 passes that would'nt

go very far....So for anyone that knows would you PLEASE respond... ty...8 passes would

be to painful if you went up-down and then across the other way 8 times....Im very

confused

passes are when they go once across or down your face, like up and down would be two passes.

back and forth would be two passes.

it sounds very confusing, i know, but im sure they know what theyre doing

you can make suggestions to them because i gave suggestions to the lady that did my face and i told her i was able to tolerate the pain of a couple more passes, and so she did a couple more.

as to density, i dont know what density she did.

Can I ask if you all did Smoothbeam before trying this? Do we know if Fraxel is better than that? Thanks.

me_and_scars said:

hadenough said:

me_and_scars said:

Hey guys

those who have actually done the fraxel...did u guys notice any difference in the appearence of your scarred pores?

I read somewhere that fraxel could actually enlarge pores.

Any comment would be mmuch appreciated.

where did you read that? Was it on another message board, or was this a scientific study?

hey hadenough

this is were I got the idea from:

"

Dear George,

Microdermabrasion is very effective for controlling blackheads. The microdermabrasion treatment removes skin debris and dead skin cells that can block the pore and cause blackheads. After a microdermabrasion oil, which has backed up in the pores, is released and over time as the unblocked oil glands become smaller pore size will decrease.

I would also suggest a drying facial wash such as a Brevoxyl wash. These can be found in the acne section of your drug store.

The above treatments should help a great deal. If you are left with large pores and redness there are other methods that can help. Some laser treatments can stimulate the skin to form new collagen around the oil glands, which can compress the pore and make it smaller. It also specifically helps the redness. One, called LasergenisisA is easy and pain free. The LasergenesisA machine is made by CuteraA, you can check their website to find a doctor near you who has the machine.

I would not expect FraxilA to be particularly effective for enlarged pores and redness because FraxelA is an ablative laser. Ablative lasers because they remove skin can actually enlarge pores and do not address redness.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Dr Seckel

"

source: [Removed]

Fraxel definitly helps for pore size. That is the first thing I noticed with my first treatment. I do believe that Fraxel is considered Non-ablative also.

I also used Laser Skin Solutions and I am so glad that I found them. The Dr. is awesome. I just finished my 4th Fraxel treatment and I am very happy with the results. I didn't have alot of scars, a few mild ones only. But, I did have alot of pigmintation problems and texture problems. I have seen alot of improvement and after my 5th treatment I think I will reach my goal of being able to wear zero face makeup.

I highly recommend this treatment, just make sure you use a rebutible doctor.

Industry,

Have you looked into other lasers?

I have heard of IPL used to even out skin tone, but not specifically for hypopigmentation. Specific treatment for hypopigmentation is usually with a light/laser that exposes the area to UVA or UVB rays.

There are also topical steriods that can be used. The earlier it is treated the better. I heard it takes at LEAST 3 months of use with topical steriods before any any results.

Careful with fraxel for hypopigmentation. If you look at all the slideshow pics you will see that some scar/melasma patients experienced small spots of hypopigmentation. Still the intended use for fraxel (and FDA approval btw) is for sun damaged skin. And obviously a lot of the pictures show that it helped reduce hypopigmentation due to sun damage.

One thing you definately want to avoid is laser hair removal and other ablative resurfacing lasers. These are known to cause permanent hypopigmentation in up to 20 percent of patients.

I have a small spot on the tip of my nose from the Comet laser at American Laser Center (for laser hair removal treatment, 2 sessions). Its been there at least 2-3 months now, but I hope it goes away. I'm planning to get Fraxel to help smooth my complexion and pores; if it helps with the hypopigmentation that would be great too.

 

Thanks for your help man that was awesome.

The spot on my right cheek isn't completely white.... just a bit lighter than the rest of the skin. Maybe because of this I have a better chance to repigment the area? It's a scar from a snowboarding accident 6 years ago. I've heard needling can help with hypopigmentation and Fraxel operates along the same route... small microscopic holes in your skin that are healed with healthy tissue surroundng it.

I went to Dr. Fitzpatrick in San Diego and he said that he's seen spots repigment before but it depends on a LOT of factors. He recommended 4 Fraxel treatments to the entire face. I think I might go for it. I asked him if there was a chance that it would get any lighter than it already was and he said "No way."

There are lasers such as "relume" and "Xtrac" which have a tanning phenomenon but in no way affect the melanin cells beneath the skin.

My plan... and please correct me if it doesnt sound right...

Do the 4 Fraxel laser treatments from Dr. Fitzpatrick.

Use the Alexandrite laser to remove the remaining brown spots/freckles.

And than once I get the scar on my cheek smoothed out and blended into the skin I'll look into Relume or Xtrac.

Can anyone give me specific links in regards to repigmenting scars?

Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I had Fraxel #2 yesterday and I'm a little miserable. I just think I'm a sweller. I look like a friggin marshmallow already. I took an extra day off work just in case. I know my Doctor did less passes and the strength might have been less. It did not hurt as much as the 1st time.

I've noticed a slight, subtle difference in my skin since my first Fraxel on 1-13-06. Nothing spectacular but then again no results are expected this soon either.

After seeing even more real life photos of Fraxel before and afters at my Doctor's office, I know I will be satisfied. I feel a little crummy with the swelling but I'm very happy about how things are going so far!!!

Annie

LOL. I'm sorry Annie. That picture cracks me up. You look so pretty. Even swollen, you look adorable.

Does anyone know if Fraxel has been proven superior to Smoothbeam at scar reduction?

 

smoothbeam does shit for scars.

Mine is quite bad with lotsa ice pick...

Imagine a cheek with an large area filled with very small ice pick and some big ones with box scar... That's me...

Fraxel does quite alot on the small ice pick ( some of which I had CO2 before)... Great improvement in the appearance... Frankly after the fraxel My concern wasn't really the small scars but the big ones... I don't think Fraxel remove them totally... Probably one more resurfacing but it still works wonders..

Trying TCA cross for my large and deeper scars...

I think expectation plays an important part too... Are you looking for perfect complexion or one that is accpetable .... I am wishing for one that is accpetable.

If you want you could send me your pics.... so as I see how much fraxel works for you.

 

Hi Holelyface,

I come to this forum occasionally to check out the results of fraxel as I have been considering it, I will be in Singapore tomorrow until this friday or saturday and thinking to make appointment to see the dr in Sloane Clinic for consultation as well. If I am not mistaken you had your fraxel with them, how is the result ? ( my scar seems to fit the description of your scar, but generally I have like orange skin with ice pick and box scar) Would appreciate if you could let me know. Moreover, I am interested in TCA as well, do you know where can I get this treatment in Singpore ? how much is the cost? Would appreciate your reply soonest possible. TQ.

Hey everyone,

I had Fraxel #2 yesterday and I'm a little miserable. I just think I'm a sweller. I look like a friggin marshmallow already. I took an extra day off work just in case. I know my Doctor did less passes and the strength might have been less. It did not hurt as much as the 1st time.

I've noticed a slight, subtle difference in my skin since my first Fraxel on 1-13-06. Nothing spectacular but then again no results are expected this soon either.

After seeing even more real life photos of Fraxel before and afters at my Doctor's office, I know I will be satisfied. I feel a little crummy with the swelling but I'm very happy about how things are going so far!!!

Annie

 

Thanks for your pictures. My scars are similar to yours so I am excited to hear from you after a couple more treatments! How many treatments are you going to do?

Thanks for sharing your experience.

JP

 

Mine is quite bad with lotsa ice pick...

Imagine a cheek with an large area filled with very small ice pick and some big ones with box scar... That's me...

Fraxel does quite alot on the small ice pick ( some of which I had CO2 before)... Great improvement in the appearance... Frankly after the fraxel My concern wasn't really the small scars but the big ones... I don't think Fraxel remove them totally... Probably one more resurfacing but it still works wonders..

Trying TCA cross for my large and deeper scars...

I think expectation plays an important part too... Are you looking for perfect complexion or one that is accpetable .... I am wishing for one that is accpetable.

If you want you could send me your pics.... so as I see how much fraxel works for you.

 

Hi Holelyface,

I come to this forum occasionally to check out the results of fraxel as I have been considering it, I will be in Singapore tomorrow until this friday or saturday and thinking to make appointment to see the dr in Sloane Clinic for consultation as well. If I am not mistaken you had your fraxel with them, how is the result ? ( my scar seems to fit the description of your scar, but generally I have like orange skin with ice pick and box scar) Would appreciate if you could let me know. Moreover, I am interested in TCA as well, do you know where can I get this treatment in Singpore ? how much is the cost? Would appreciate your reply soonest possible. TQ.

 

Hi,

Yea if you are planning for a Fraxel I say his the best. But had a realistic expectation about the treatment and results. Go for at least 5 which lasted 6 months if you can. You usually see the improvement to be so much better after 2-3 treatment onwards. Usually the first treatment the improvement is not so big differences as the improvement is about 5-15%. Unfortunately no one in SG doing TCA cross... so you probably got to do TCA cross professionally for your deep ice pick and box scars else where. Or you'll have to look for alternatives like excisions, unless you trying it on your own. But you could expect some results for your ice pick too from fraxel... It does somehow improve the appearance though, I would say just not enough in my case.

 

Industry,

Have you looked into other lasers?

I have heard of IPL used to even out skin tone, but not specifically for hypopigmentation. Specific treatment for hypopigmentation is usually with a light/laser that exposes the area to UVA or UVB rays.

There are also topical steriods that can be used. The earlier it is treated the better. I heard it takes at LEAST 3 months of use with topical steriods before any any results.

Careful with fraxel for hypopigmentation. If you look at all the slideshow pics you will see that some scar/melasma patients experienced small spots of hypopigmentation. Still the intended use for fraxel (and FDA approval btw) is for sun damaged skin. And obviously a lot of the pictures show that it helped reduce hypopigmentation due to sun damage.

One thing you definately want to avoid is laser hair removal and other ablative resurfacing lasers. These are known to cause permanent hypopigmentation in up to 20 percent of patients.

I have a small spot on the tip of my nose from the Comet laser at American Laser Center (for laser hair removal treatment, 2 sessions). Its been there at least 2-3 months now, but I hope it goes away. I'm planning to get Fraxel to help smooth my complexion and pores; if it helps with the hypopigmentation that would be great too.

 

Thanks for your help man that was awesome.

The spot on my right cheek isn't completely white.... just a bit lighter than the rest of the skin. Maybe because of this I have a better chance to repigment the area? It's a scar from a snowboarding accident 6 years ago. I've heard needling can help with hypopigmentation and Fraxel operates along the same route... small microscopic holes in your skin that are healed with healthy tissue surroundng it.

I went to Dr. Fitzpatrick in San Diego and he said that he's seen spots repigment before but it depends on a LOT of factors. He recommended 4 Fraxel treatments to the entire face. I think I might go for it. I asked him if there was a chance that it would get any lighter than it already was and he said "No way."

There are lasers such as "relume" and "Xtrac" which have a tanning phenomenon but in no way affect the melanin cells beneath the skin.

My plan... and please correct me if it doesnt sound right...

Do the 4 Fraxel laser treatments from Dr. Fitzpatrick.

Use the Alexandrite laser to remove the remaining brown spots/freckles.

And than once I get the scar on my cheek smoothed out and blended into the skin I'll look into Relume or Xtrac.

Can anyone give me specific links in regards to repigmenting scars?

Thanks!

 

I think you are being overly ambitious. All lasers have side effects and you will end up regretting it if you have all those treatments. I think you'd probably even end up with more hypopigmentation. If the hypopigmentation is the result of a wound then you should get fraxel b/c there is probably scar tissue there. I dont think any other laser will help with hypopigmentation due to scarring.

Of course Dr. Fitzpatrick will sell you on fraxel. He's set to make 5 grand off you for full face! Why do you need it? He's supposed to be the best in the country. Surely he can feather the fraxel laser so there is no demarcation line on your cheek!

Have you thought about just sporting a bit of stubble? This can cover up most minor imperfections. That is why you will see most actors sporting beards/stubble when they are off set/camera.

Please do a search on the alexandrite laser. It is an out-dated laser with lots of side effects including hypopogmentation. Also, hypopigmentation caused by lasers is usually permanent. So do your research.

I also wouldn't purchase a package unless the doctor gives you two free test patchs to see how you react (first on an inconspicuous area like under the chin, then if there are no adverse effects on the actual scar). If he is not willing to do this then he is after your money and not your best interest. If he really wants that $5k from you he will do the tests.

Yeah but tmthymllgn everything has a rusk of causing problems. The Fraxel is the safest laser as far as pigmentation probs are concerned. I know nothing about the other lasers mentioned but do not believe that Fraxel causes pigmentation probs at all. I have not heard of one person getting it done and having pigment problems.

Not every guy can really grow facial haior and most people with acne scarws have very few scars where hair would grow. I have none on my face except my upper cheeks. NOT ONE anywhere that I would be able to grow hair at.

Hey everyone,

I had Fraxel #2 yesterday and I'm a little miserable. I just think I'm a sweller. I look like a friggin marshmallow already. I took an extra day off work just in case. I know my Doctor did less passes and the strength might have been less. It did not hurt as much as the 1st time.

I've noticed a slight, subtle difference in my skin since my first Fraxel on 1-13-06. Nothing spectacular but then again no results are expected this soon either.

After seeing even more real life photos of Fraxel before and afters at my Doctor's office, I know I will be satisfied. I feel a little crummy with the swelling but I'm very happy about how things are going so far!!!

Annie

 

Hello Annie,

Was wondering what happened to you. When I scheduled my 1st Fraxel treatment I went on-line to find a "support" group of some kind and came across your pics......that in turn led me to this board. Anyhow, thanks for posting the pictures. I had my second treatment about 2 weeks ago and am scheduled to have my third this Wednseday. I've been taking a few pics and my Dr's office takes a few before the treatment. I haven't posted any though. Geeez..... you must be a seriuos sweller! The 1st treatment was vertually painless and my swelling went away on about 4 hours. I was out and about the following morning and went to a family gathering just 3 days after. I've had dozens of glycolic peels so I'm use the redness and "burned" look. People stare at me when I go out because of that damb blue dye that stays on for a few days after the treatment. The second was a bit tough. The Dr. used a higher setting and it hurt! My face was tight from the swelling. My eyes got blood shot and I thought I was going to turn purple. The Doc gave me some advil and within an hour the burning feeling went away. The swelling subsided faster this time around (well maybe it felt that way because the swelling was noticible right after the treatment this time) and I was out buying groceries later in the evening. I feel for you......

Well hope its worth it! I really haven't seen much improvements from the scarring. My complexion is alot better. The laser zapped away some of the sun damage spots I had from last summer's vacation and the lingering blemishes I had from some minor zits. I've been told you don't notice much improvements on the scars until after the 3rd. We'll see about that.

Anyway, hope you have a speedy recovery!